FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Parks were picked for 17 awards as part of Kentucky Living magazine’s “2014 Best in Kentucky” honors in the April issue.

“We’re so gratified that so many people love the Kentucky State Parks,” Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker said. “Our parks are true gems, and we appreciate the recognition from the readers of Kentucky Living.”

The reader write-in contest covered a variety of topics, from favorite restaurants to best vacation places. Kentucky State Parks won first place honors in four categories. They were: General Burnside Island State Park for best golf course (tie); Cumberland Falls State Resort Park at Corbin for best overnight stay; Cumberland Falls for scenic view and Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site for Civil War site.

Here are the other parks that were honored with second or third place recognition:

All Kentucky State Parks are open. For more information and reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. To see the Kentucky Living article on the “2014 Best in Kentucky,” visit www.kentuckyliving.com

The Kentucky State Parks are part of Gov. Steve Beshear’s efforts to improve the health of all Kentuckians. The Governor launched kyhealthnow as an aggressive and wide-ranging initiative to significantly reduce incidence and deaths from Kentucky’s dismal health rankings and habits. It builds on Kentucky’s successful implementation of health care reform and uses multiple strategies – including participation in outdoor activities at state parks -- over the next several years to improve the state’s collective health. Visit kyhealthnow.ky.gov.

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 49 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov